Airbus celebrates 'topping out' of A320 final assembly line hangar in Mobile (updated)

MOBILE, Alabama – Airbus’ A320 final assembly line under construction in Mobile celebrated its latest milestone Wednesday with an unusual topping out ceremony for the main hangar.

A 21-foot steel tree, erected at the request of Hoar Program Management by Dothan’s Covenant Steel and adorned with flags representing every company and civic interest in the project, was ceremoniously installed as a symbol of growth, potential and life.

Mike Lanier, president of Birmingham-based HPM, characterized the entire project as a “humbling experience” and praised the workers involved for the “hard work, the safe work you’ve conducted.”

“It’s been very exciting for us to be part of your dream and vision for Mobile,” Lanier said.

Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson said the construction milestone most certainly represents the unyielding teamwork responsible for bringing a “wonderful industry to our community,” but she also took a moment to remind those in attendance of the inspiring words uttered by an unlikely source during the project’s groundbreaking only 11 months ago.

Hudson said Corob’s words resonated then, but they resonate even louder today “with the hope and promise this project offers to all citizens, our region and especially our youth” as it moves “one step closer to reality.”

Dr. Ulrich Weber, who leads Airbus’ efforts in Mobile and the A320 family program, called the topping out celebration a great achievement that “shows everything is well on track.”

After thanking all of the dignitaries, civic and community leaders who have had a hand in moving the project forward, Ulrich singled out the workers who toil daily on the construction site, “making this reality.”

“It is your contributions making Mobile a world-class location of producing civil aircraft, such as Hamburg (Germany), such as Toulouse (France),” Ulrich said.